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Masset
Masset is located 130 km (80 miles) west of Prince
Rupert on the north-east coast of Graham Island, a part of the
Haida Gwaii-Queen Charlotte Islands chain.
McIntyre
Bay
Masset is situated just off Dixon Entrance inside Masset Sound at
the entrance to a large inlet called Masset Inlet. Just outside
of Masset lies McIntyre Bay, a large bay that faces north to Alaska.
McIntyre Bay and has various beaches located along its entire length
going east to a large spit called Rose Spit.
Delkatla
Slough
Masset is a small community that has a population of around one
thousand people. The community geographically sits at the bottom
of and is separated by a large body of water, harbour and wetlands
called Delkatla Slough. Towards the end of Delkatla Slough is a
finger of land with the First Nation village of Haida residing on
it.
CFS
Masset
At one time Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Masset was located 3 miles
(5 km) north from Masset and helped supply a number of employment
opportunities for the community. Unfortunately, the CFS Masset radio
listening site has been shut down since February 1997.
Graham
Island
The main employment in Massett is now based on eco-tourism, fishing
and services for the north of Graham Island and as a transportation
hub for dropping off and transferring point for people travelling
to Langara Island. At one time
logging was a major employer but has taken less prominence in later
years.
BC
Ferries to Skidegate
To get to Massett by vehicle you have to take the BC Ferries sailing
from Prince Rupert to Skidegate Landing. Once at Skidegate Landing
you have to travel 101 km (63 miles) north on Hwy 16 past Skidegate,
Tlell, the turnoff to Port
Clements eventually reaching Masset.
Airplane
Service
There is a plane service to Masset Municipal Airport with a daily
flight from the south terminal in Richmond
via Pacific Coastal Airlines. There are also daily scheduled flights
offered by Air Canada from Vancouver International Airport to Sandspit.
Delkatla
Wildlife Sanctuary
For wildlife viewing try and get a chance to visit the Delkatla
Wildlife Sanctuary in Masset. Originally conceived by long-time
resident Sam Simpson and eventually the Masset Rod and Gun Club,
the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary protected this piece of land for
wildlife and bird habitat.
North
Beach and Rose Spit
There are lots of really good hikes that you can take around Masset,
especially along the beach. A real favourite is to travel by road
out to South Beach and walk on the beach approximately 10 km (6
miles) along North Beach to Rose Spit in Naikoon Provincial Park
on the north-east coast of Graham Island and marvel at the scenery.
Naikoon
Provincial Park
You can further explore Naikoon Provincial Park south from Rose
Spit and go towards the south to Tlell. You can wonder at the untouched
beach that stretches forever and remember this experience for a
lifetime. For one of the best campsites located in the park make
sure you try the one at Agate Beach located near Tow Hill.
Haida
- Old Massett
The small First Nation village of Haida or, commonly referred to
as Old Massett, is 5 km (3 miles) north-west of the village of Masset,
once home to a Hudson's Bay Company that operated from 1869 to 1898.
Haida
Arts and Jewellery Store
Old Massett is now where you can find the administration offices
for the Haida Gwaii Council of the Haida Nation. There is also a
local artisan gallery in Old Massett called the Haida Arts and Jewellery
Store where you can find First Nation artwork for sale including
some argillite carvings.
Quickly
Changing Weather
A couple of reminders - just remember you'll need to refer to a
tide chart for water levels before attempting any walks or driving
near the ocean. Also, one other thing about the Haida Gwaii-Queen
Charlotte Islands is if you don't like the weather now just wait
five minutes. So please take an extra layer of clothing, rain gear,
water and snack bars.
Salmon
Fishing off Langara Island
For salmon fishing in the ocean, it does not get any better than
Masset and the Haida Gwaii-Queen Charlotte Islands. Lots of fishing
charters originate out of Masset or you can visit a number of fishing
resorts on nearby Langara Island.
Dixon
Entrance Golf Club
There is a small municipal 9-hole golf course called Dixon Entrance
Golf Club only 3 km (2 miles) from Masset on Tow Hill Road. This
course was unique in the past because it was laid out around a Canadian
military radio listening post operations site called CFS Masset.
Pure
Lake Provincial Park
Located 19 km (12 miles) south from Masset towards Port
Clements is Pure Lake Provincial Park. This is one of the better
areas to go for a swim on Graham Island. There is no provincial
campground facility but Pure Lake has a nice picnic area with a
short walking trail to the local swimming hole.
Accommodation
For accommodation there are a number of places to stay in Masset
including a number of bed and breakfast establishments, cabins and
lodges. For RV camping try Hidden Island RV Resort which is conveniently
close to shopping in town and across from the Delkatla Wildlife
Sanctuary.
Information
on Masset
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